Learning to snowboard? Here’s what to wear
You’ve booked your first snowboard lesson. Nice one! Now comes the big question: what on earth do snowboarders wear on the mountain?
We see this frequently at Cirkel Supply snowboard clothing rental: first-time snowboarders who fly into a panic when they discover the complicated layers and fabrics that are described with mysterious words like “breathability” and “water column”.
This guide answers the questions beginners actually ask (mashing keyboards at midnight when they realise that they have no idea how to dress for next week’s snowboard lesson).
Tyler Morton by Andrew Miller & Jones SnowboardsHow we created the ultimate guide to snowboard clothing
To create the ultimate guide to snowboard clothing, we’ve consulted two important oracles of information:
- Cirkel Supply’s customer support team - who helped us to identify the most commonly asked questions from Cirkel’s customers who needed product recommendations for their first time snowboarding.
- Jarno Hoogland - Cirkel Supply’s Operations Manager. Jarno is a passionate snowboarder who previously worked for Nidecker snowboards.
Readers can skim through to find the answer to their specific query, or read our article from start to finish to become snowboard clothing experts.
Do I need special clothing for snowboarding?
Short answer: you cannot snowboard in jeans.
Long answer: snowboarding requires technical, protective clothing that’s specifically designed for use while snowboarding in cold winter conditions.
Is snowboard clothing different from ski clothing?
Yes and no. While most ski outfits will suffice for a day’s snowboarding, clothing designed with snowboarding in mind brings the next level of comfort.
For example, snowboarders reaching down to strap into their snowboard bindings. Therefore, jackets designed for snowboarding have a generous sleeve length.
Due to the frequent adjusting of bindings, some snowboarders find it easier to wear gloves because they are slightly more dextrous than mittens.
Additionally, snowboard clothing has a more relaxed fit - that’s not simply for style, but a practical consideration for the upper body movement that’s very specific to snowboarding (the art of riding sideways, while watching where you’re going!).
How to layer for snowboarding
This three-layer system is the simplest method to reach ninja levels of snowboard clothing layering, even if it’s your first time on the mountain.
- Baselayers: leggings and long sleeve tops that are warm and breathable.
- Midlayer: a fleece or down jacket that adds an extra layer of insulation.
- Outer layers: waterproof, windproof and breathable jacket and pants.
Do beginners need different clothing than expert snowboarders?
Yes – we recommend beginner snowboarders to wear insulated jackets and pants, and add extra layers where appropriate. Insulated jackets and pants provide more warmth than 3L shell outerwear.
We recommend for beginner snowboarders to wear warmer clothing because they spend more time standing still on the slopes while they listen to their instructor or figure out how to turn. They might even take a few tumbles.
Speaking of crashes and tumbles – bib pants prevent snow from entering your clothing layers much better than standard snowboarding trousers, that’s why we recommend bib pants to beginner snowboarders.
Because you’ll spend time sitting on the snow, choose a higher waterproof rating for your snowboard outerwear (20K or above). To minimise your sitting time, consider renting a snowboard with easy-entry bindings (also known as ‘step-in’) – you step into these bindings from a standing position instead of sitting down to strap in.
You’ll be pushing up off the snow with your hands, so we recommend highly waterproof gloves such as the Hestra Perform 5 finger gloves which are built with GORE-TEX to bring the industry gold standard of waterproofing.
Expert snowboarders are often more interested in wearing shell jackets and pants, paired with varying combinations of base layers and mid layers that can be put on or taken off according to the conditions and exertion levels. They’ll often ride with a backpack to stash these layers alongside their avalanche equipment, snacks and water bottle.
Is it always cold on the mountain?
No, it is not always cold on the mountain. In the Swiss Alps, most ski resorts are reliably cold between December and March inclusive, while the month of April can be sunny and warm. But rules mean exceptions so even in April, cold winter storms can hit, and you can experience spring-like weather in February – so prepare for all weather conditions.
A good start is to google the average temperatures in the resort that you’re going to, for the month that you visit to get an idea of what’s normal and dress accordingly.
Breathable materials and layers are a great hack for adding some temperature versatility to your outfit: having layers that you can strip off when it’s hot and also wearing garments that breath well will mean that you can regulate your body temperature more easily.
Do my jackets & pants need to be waterproof for snowboarding?
Yes - although thankfully it’s not often raining in the mountains, your frequent contact with the snowy surroundings makes waterproofing a must-have.
To ensure that your outfit is mountain-ready, look at the waterproof rating of your jacket & pants (your outer layers): a waterproof rating of 20K or above protects snowboarders from snow and prolonged ground contact.
What kind of accessories do I need for snowboarding?
Our top recommendation is to wear a neckwarmer (also known as a buff or a neck gaiter). A neckwarmer that will keep the winter wind away from your chin and neck. We recommend merino neckwarmers which are warm, soft and breathable.
Other accessories for your consideration include a tool to adjust your bindings, sunscreen, lipbalm and gloves liners.
What are ‘day-ruining’ clothing items to avoid while snowboarding?
We’ve already mentioned the necessity of having waterproof clothing while snowboarding – so you can imagine that our number 1 day-ruining clothing items to avoid is clothing that is not waterproof. You will end up a soggy mess, and on a cold day, this means you might not last the whole day and you certainly won’t enjoy it.
On the other end of the temperature gauge, if you’re working hard or if the weather is unseasonably warm, you will get too hot if your outfit fabric is not breathable, and if you don’t have ventilation. Look for underarm ventilation on jackets – also called pitt zips, and thigh vents on trousers – a good breathability rating and ventilation system on your outfit can be an absolute day-saver.
Is there anything to keep in mind when getting dressed for snowboarding?
If your snowboard boots feel uncomfortable, make sure you have not got the snow gaiter (elasticated inner layer of your snowboard pants) stuffed inside your boot. This is a classic beginner mistake and can make for a very uncomfortable day snowboarding. Other culprits for uncomfortable boots can be bunched socks or leggings.
The snow gaiters are designed to go over the top of your boot, so that no snow gets inside your boot, here’s a short tutorial on that.
Boots for skiing and snowboarding make us a little taller, so snowboard & ski pants are a little longer than your street clothes. This means the cuff can drag and be stepped on before you strap into your snowboard. So roll up your snowboard pants until you’re safely wearing your snowboarding boots.
To keep snow out of your gloves & sleeves, loosen the cuff of your jacket and tuck your gloves inside your sleeve before fastening the velcro once more.
This sounds expensive, should I buy all the clothing for my first time snowboarding?
Snowboarding clothing and equipment can be very expensive, and it makes much more sense to rent it for your first couple of snowboarding trips.
Once you’ve been a few times, you’ll know how much you love it and how often you can fit snowboarding into your lifestyle. If that’s just a few times a year, then renting is likely the best solution for you - if you decide to move to the mountains and ride every day, then ownership might be the best solution.
What snowboard outfits can I rent at Cirkel Supply?
Here is Jarno Hoogland’s favourite snowboard outfits for beginners and experts:
For those learning, rent the Jones Men’s MTN Surf Insulated Parka with the matching bib pants. For women who are learning to snowboard, hire the Jones Women’s MTN Surf Jacket with the matching bib pants.
Ali Miller weaering the Jones Women's MTN Surf Insulated Jacket - photo by Andrew Miller.
For advanced and expert snowboarders who are ready to put together the ultimate layering system that will take them through any weather, here are two suggested outfits:
Women:
- Jones Women’s MTN Surf Anorak - 2L shell jacket
- Jones Women’s MTN Surf Bibs - 2L shell bib pants
- Ortovox Women’s Fleece Teddy Jacket - warm midlayer
- Hestra Perform 5-finger Gloves - built with GORE-TEX
Men:
- Jones Men’s MTN Surf Shell Jacket - 2L shell jacket
- Jones Men’s MTN Surf Bibs - 2L shell bib pants
- Ortovox Men’s Fleece Teddy Jacket - warm midlayer
- Hestra Perform 5-finger Gloves - made with GORE-TEX
Do you have a checklist for all the clothing items to buy or bring while snowboarding?
Here is our packing checklist for your next snowboard trip, with links to items that can be rented from Cirkel Supply snowboard clothing rental.
Snowboard clothing to bring, buy or rent on your next snowboard trip:
- Merino baselayers (leggings and a long sleeve top)
- Midlayers (a light fleece and / or a mid-weight down jacket)
- Snowboard jacket (waterproof, breathable and insulated)
- Pants or bib pants (waterproof, breathable and insulated)
- Gloves (and glove liners)
- Balaclava or neckwarmer
- Warm beanie
- Snowboots
- Ski socks (warm, long, and made to work well with snowboard boots)
- Swimsuit
- Backpack for carrying snacks, drinks and spare layer
Snowboard equipment to rent in-resort
- Snowboard
- Snowboard boots
- Helmet
That's a wrap on our snowboard clothing guide
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading our ultimate guide to snowboard clothing. If you have any questions, or need help choosing snow clothes for hire on your next trip, don’t hesitate to reach out to our customer support.
